North Wright County Today

While Minnesota is making headlines for a host of scooter and E-bike riders taking over downtown Minneapolis, it’s the motorized vehicles in your own backyard that are making waves in the Otsego and STMA areas. In the past two months, first-responders have arrived to the scene of accidents involving both E-bikes and E-Scooters, and even one involving a vehicle that would be classified as an E-Motorcycle.

From serving multiple terms on the St. Michael-Albertville School Board to organizing school supplies for hundreds of Wright County kids in need, Hollee Saville has made a habit out of giving back to her community. Saville, a small-business owner who has also served as a daycare owner and chicken farmer. Wait, what? Yep, for years, Saville has incubated and hatched small chicks for classroom educational purposes across the district. It’s a hands-on experience that has students talking for weeks.

Wright County Highway 137 is now open to drivers, the contractor in charge of the job announced, just in time for the Costco Superstore’s grand opening set for this Friday, August 14. The county coordinated with its contractor to open County Road 137/County Highway 37 in Otsego and Albertville, including the bridge, the Interstate 94 ramps and 62nd Street by the end of the day Monday, Aug. 10.

St. Michael-Albertville High School’s own Chas Betts, aka Chad Gable, sobbed as he leaned against the corner post after making his opponent, Penta, tap out in the center of the squared ring at SummerSlam 2026, held at US Bank Stadium in his home city of Minneapolis.

From the Editor: You could never say that Sandy “lost” her fight with cancer. Anyone who knew her would never believe it. But Sandy did leave us on Tuesday, July 28, to be reunited with her Chuck. Her impact on the STMA community will never be forgotten. Our thoughts are with her kids and grandchildren, as well as all those of us who were impacted by Sandy’s amazing work over the years.

Back in the early 2000s, when St. Michael-Albertville was beginning to make its run at “big school” wrestling, then-senior Chas Betts put together one of the most incredible seasons in history – going 48-1 and earning a Minnesota State Championship at 160 pounds. Betts, who surrendered his freestyle state glory for the ancient sport of Greco-style wrestling, qualified for the 2012 Olympics in London with a remarkable performance at the United States Olympic Trials.

St. Michael’s American Legion squad – the St. Michael Mikes – made it another successful summer season with a huge rally in the state qualifiers and earned the program another trip to the Minnesota American Legion State Tournament. The tourney starts today (July 30) and runs throughout the weekend in historic New Ulm. The Mikes ticked off two wins in opening Substate 8 play, but stumbled against Champlin Park in Game 3.

Lisa Demuth or Mike Lindell? Angie Craig or Peggy Flanagan? Mike Foley or Tom Emmer? Important races will be decided before the November general election, and you can get in on the action early by voting at locations around Wright County. Reminder – Minnesota is an OPEN PRIMARY – so voters ask for a party ballot (Republican or Democrat) and can only vote on THAT party ballot.

The City of St. Michael has issued an advisory to residents after a black bear was spotted in the community this week. Neighbors report the bear wandering northwest of Foster Lake, or east of Fox Hollow Golf Course, near Needham Avenue Northeast and 55th Street Northeast, as well as Nelmark Avenue and 60th Street areas. One poster spotted the big bear on their “Ring” Camera: The City of St. Michael issued the following advisory: A bear has recently been spotted in our community.

A Minnesota filmmaker and the family of Jacob Wetterling will bring a new documentary, “Echoes in the Night: The Search for Jacob Wetterling” to the St. Michael Cinema in August, for two special nights of streaming the groundbreaking film that captures some of the history behind the most infamous abduction case in Minnesota history.